In a significant move toward digital transformation, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025 through its second reading, marking a major step in establishing Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal framework yet for artificial intelligence (AI), secure electronic transactions, and digitisation of public services.

 

The Bill, sponsored by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), aims to modernise the country’s digital infrastructure and legal architecture. Leading the debate on the Senate floor, Senator Salisu described the proposed legislation as a “strategic pillar for 21st-century governance, economic diversification, and national competitiveness.”

 

According to him, the Bill will institutionalise responsible AI deployment, foster digital literacy and workforce reskilling, and enhance e-government service delivery.

 

“Mr. President, Distinguished Senators, this Bill holds immense promise for our nation and the future of our workforce,” Salisu said. “It provides legal clarity for electronic transactions, secure systems, and the ethical governance of emerging technologies such as AI.”

 

 

 

Senator Salisu noted that the legislation addresses long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s digital policy environment, including:

 

Legal ambiguities surrounding electronic transactions;

 

Fragmented public service delivery;

 

The lack of regulation for rapidly evolving technologies such as AI.

 

 

Key Provisions of the Bill Include:

 

Legal recognition of digital contracts, records, and electronic signatures;

 

Mandatory ethical and risk-based frameworks for AI systems;

 

Promotion of digital literacy and digital skills across all education levels;

 

Mandate for government institutions to digitise services using secure, interoperable platforms.

 

 

Highlighting the Bill’s economic potential, Senator Salisu projected that if enacted, the law could:

 

Raise the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from its current 16–18% to 22% by 2030;

 

Save the government up to ₦300 billion annually by reducing paperwork and operational inefficiencies;

 

Create over 1.5 million direct and indirect digital jobs through innovation hubs, startup support, and workforce reskilling initiatives.

 

 

Strong Senate Support

 

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, described the Bill as vital for Nigeria’s economic survival.

 

“The Bill is directly talking about our economic health. Every sound economy in the world is anchored on pragmatic digital service delivery and governance,” Jibrin said. “It is geared towards the improvement of our economy and nation in general.”

 

 

 

Also supporting the Bill, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), stressed the importance of regulating AI and positioning Nigeria for the digital age.

 

“This Bill is timely, especially as the world embraces AI and digital systems. It gives legality to AI and the digital economy,” Monguno said.

 

 

 

Following the debate, the Senate voted in favour of the Bill’s second reading. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity for further legislative action.

 

With the Bill advancing to the Committee stage, lawmakers and stakeholders are optimistic that its eventual passage will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive player in the global digital economy, driving innovation, transparency, and inclusive growth through technology.